At this time of year, the golf course gets somewhat quieter and everyone gets focused on the main aspect of the season - party time!
The Ladies had their Christmas party last week after a 9 hole competition and a full dining room witnessed their in-house production of a pantomime.
Then the mixed Christmas Competition took place on Sunday followed by a rousing sing-song in the clubhouse no doubt fueled by some mulled wine - well done to everyone who battled through the wet afternoon especially the winners Dave and Alison Parkes.
The Club Staff lunch takes place this Thursday - please be aware the shop will be shut from 12:30 - 2pm.
The only day we are shut over the festive period is Christmas Day. The weather looks incredibly mild for the next 2 weeks so plenty of chance to get some golf in, the only downside is we tend to get more rain when it's not frosty and the Fur and Feather competition had to be cancelled last Saturday - which is re-arranged for this coming Saturday. Please bear in mind that guests aren't allowed on competition days without prior permission and it wouldn't be possible this day as there will be upwards of 100 competitors.
I played with Luke for 18 holes on Tuesday and the course is still in fantastic shape - there are inevitable signs of wear but nothing like what we see when we visit other courses in the area. The greenstaff have painted white lines in some places to divert traffic instead of unsightly ropes, so please acknowledge the lines and avoid wear around the greens.
If you are looking for a last minute present for the golfer in your life, we are open until 2pm on Christmas Eve and don't forget we can provide vouchers for the following items:
- Gift vouchers - any value at all
- Yardage Gapping sessions - indoor session to chart your distances, £30
- Lessons - from £25 for a half hour lesson, discount for 4 lesson and 8 lesson packages.
- Game and Equipment Assessments - indoor session to analyse your strengths and weaknesses, £30
TWENTY SIXTEEN
We'll be hitting the ground running straight after Christmas and literally in more ways than one. I am running in the Stafford Half Marathon raising money for the Birmingham Children's Hospital which is at the end of March, but before then Luke will be competing in the Tough Guy event in Wolverhampton in January. He's raising money for Cancer Research UK and has a sponsor form in the Pro Shop. He did the Tough Guy last year and he must be nuts to want to do it again!
Then in terms of golf events we have the following to look forward to:
Golf Academy Night
In January, I will be hosting a Golf Academy Night which will be a seminar in the clubhouse and is for members and guests.
- Learn how you're never more than 3 shots away from hitting solid shots,
- Find out how 'quirky' swings work as well as 'pretty' swings,
- See which release will work for which swing type,
- Take away some useful tips to improve straight away.
Demo week
- On another week in January, we'll be reserving the indoor studio for trying out products. All the demo clubs will be available from Mizuno, Srixon, Miura, Titleist and others PLUS all the secondhand and Ex-Demo equipment will be lined up and ready to compare against your current equipment.
- Appointments will need booking - check out the signs around the shop or in the early New Year newsletter for details.
Yardage gapping week
- Yardage gapping sessions are available anytime but we will be having a dedicated week set aside to book individual appointments. It's a crucial element of equipment that your yardages gaps are consistent - probably more consistent than ourselves as golfers!
- This week will probably be when (if) we get covered in snow so you'll have something to do that week!
Nearest the Pin and Par 3 Challenge Event
- With our indoor simulator we can play St Andrews, Chambers bay, Pebble Beach and many other courses.
- We'll be having a couple of days reserved for a fun nearest the pin contest and par 3 challenge.
- Again, this will coincide with worse conditions outside so you can keep golfing indoors!
Account Vouchers and loyalty points
- We'll be sending your account credits out to you as vouchers early in the New Year
- Lots of golfers don't realise how much credit they are accruing with 2's etc.
- Likewise your loyalty points will be coming out as a voucher which can be used for coaching, seminars and yardage gapping sessions.
Group Coaching
- Juniors
- Ladies
- Ladies Beginners
- Seniors
Pro-Ams
- The winter pro Ams start again in March - a sheet is in the Pro Shop if you'd like to join myself or Luke on them.
- I'm off to Arizona on a pro-am in February so I can talk you through my 9 rounds of golf when I'm back!
So, there's lots to look forward to in 2016, until then it just remains for myself and the rest of the Pro Shop team to wish you a Happy Christmas and a great New Year - see you on the fairways!
